Four houses destroyed in NSW storm

THE tiny NSW town of Woodburn has been hit by a huge storm, with at least four homes to be demolished in its wake.

AAPNovember 18, 20126:19pm

AT least four houses in the northern NSW township of Woodburn will have to be demolished after a devastating storm.

Woodburn, located south of Ballina with a population of about 350, was lashed with 100km/h winds and three 7.5cm of rain in 25 minutes about 7pm (AEDT) on Saturday.

State Emergency Service local controller Jim McCormack said phones had been running hot on Saturday and Sunday, with 81 call outs received.

Mr McCormack, who has lived in the Woodburn area for 30 years, said the damage was unprecedented and it was a "miracle" no one had been seriously injured.

"There are at least four homes that will have to be completely demolished, 12 with major roof damage and 12 with minor roof damage," he said.

"In Woodburn and outlying areas, a lot of people have also been trapped in their homes by fallen trees on houses and across driveways."

Though the worst had passed, Mr McCormack said the clean up could take weeks.

Over the weekend a storm cell lashed northern NSW and the Queensland coast, bringing destructive winds and, in some places, hailstones reportedly as big as softballs.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned northern NSW towns including Lismore, Murwillumbah, Casino, Kyogle, Tabulam and Rappville could be subject to heavy rain and possible flash flooding on Sunday night.